As the Basque elections campaign approaches its midpoint, candidates are striving to gain prominence amidst the distractions of celebrations following Athletic Club’s victory in the Copa del Rey. The main topic of discussion now is the urgent need to update the Gernika Statute, approved in 1979 and never revised since due to a lack of consensus. EH Bildu is particularly keen on stirring this debate, with candidate Pello Otxandiano urging for a new agreement to be reached within a year of the next legislature. The PNV also supports revisiting the autonomy reform, emphasizing the need for development and expansion of Basque self-government while maintaining a realistic approach.
In 2018, the major nationalist parties, with partial support from Elkarrekin Podemos, reached a “basis and principles agreement on self-government” in an attempt to update the Statute. However, this initiative was thwarted by the resistance of the PSE and the PP to including the right to decide for the Basque people in the proposed text. Moving forward, the PNV advocates for a thorough debate on the State’s territorial model, utilizing the Constitutional provisions and the Basque Statute’s sovereignty clause to approve a future self-government that acknowledges Basque nationhood and ensures societal participation.
EH Bildu sees the upcoming period as a “historic opportunity” to advance the national recognition of Euskal Herria, proposing a broad agreement to be ratified in a binding consultation in the Basque Country before negotiations with the Spanish State. Otxandiano envisions a confederated relationship between the Basque Country and Spain, emphasizing the region’s autonomy and its unique voice within the country. With the possibility of an increased representation in the future Parliament, the nationalist parties may overlook fundamental disagreements in their pursuit of a new political status for the Basque Country.
Elkarrekin Podemos shares common goals with the nationalist parties in terms of recognizing the right to decide within a legal framework and in supporting the opening of parliamentary discussions on self-government. The PP also supports the reform of the Statute within legal boundaries and in adherence to the Constitution. Meanwhile, Sumar’s candidate advocates for a “Clarity Pact” inspired by Canada, allowing for negotiated consultations on the new political status. Despite stalled progress on updating the self-government in recent years, the Basque Country has gained new competencies under the leadership of Iñigo Urkullu, particularly during Pedro Sánchez’s presidency.
The PNV’s proposed objectives of achieving national recognition, the right to decide, bilateral relationships, and a voice in Europe align with the party’s agreement with the PSOE to finalize the Gernika Statute by November 2025. As the election campaign unfolds, the focus remains on the urgent need to revisit the autonomy reform and engage in a constructive dialogue to address Basque aspirations for self-government while respecting legal frameworks and constitutional norms.
